I’m a recovering messaholic. I’m recovering in the sense that I finally get the value of order, but I can still clutter any horizontal surface on a moment’s notice. Similarly, I can also clutter up my relationship with Jesus. Unfortunately, I’ve learned I’m not alone.
Here’s an example of how it goes: As we accept roles and adopt tasks in our ministries we can become less defined as followers of Christ and more defined as _________________.
You probably had no trouble filling in the blank:
• A youth worker on a treadmill?
• A youth pastor beholden to expectations?
• A leader trapped by numbers and performance?
While all of these definitions are driven by a desire to work hard (we are a conscientious bunch), they can create a desperation that causes us to load up on quick-fix help from the latest authors, hottest trends and hippest training. These resources are helpful, but they aren’t…well…Jesus; and they can clutter the space between us and Him.
The Text
When the Book of Colossians was written, the space between believers and Jesus had become littered with theories and -isms (such as Gnosticism) attempting to explain Jesus. Many resources emerged to describe Jesus (picture shelf space devoted to books about Jesus), and the gospel message was getting muddled. Enter Colossians and its cut-to-the-chase message of what Jesus is all about.
As you read the Colossians passage below, let the descriptions of Christ de-clutter the space between you and Him—giving you a clear picture of what Jesus wants to do and be in your life. First, take a deep breath. Clear your mind. Now, read.
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant” (
Apply It
This passage leaves no doubt about who Jesus is cosmically and personally. Further, did you notice the frequency of the encompassing word all? When we embrace the all of Jesus, there is little room for clutter. Our quick fixes are seen for what they are: helpful, but not Jesus. Meditate on this question:
“What clutter in my life is keeping me from experiencing Christ as He’s described in this passage?”
While cluttered horizontal surfaces may come and go, perhaps trusting this Colossians passage can keep the space between you and Jesus clear. If you’re still looking for a way to define yourself, Paul’s description at the end of the passage might suffice: servant of the gospel. That’s pretty clutter-free.
Barry Shafer has been in youth ministry for more than 20 years. As director of InWord Resources (InWord.org) he has written numerous Bible studies and is author of Unleashing God’s Word in Youth Ministry (Youth Specialties/Zondervan). To go deeper with your students on de-cluttering with the Book of Colossians, check out InWord’s small-group study on Colossians, Nothin’ but Christ.
